Friday, December 31, 2010

Family New Year

I cannot believe today is the last day of the year.
This year has just flown by.  This month has just sprinted by.
Unlike the last five years or so, this year I am not having a New Year's Screen Day.  We've had a get together with DH's cousin/brother for a few years now.  This year, we are skipping it.
Instead, I think we'll have a relaxing nosh and explore day.  I'm hoping the day will be nice enough for us to venture to Central Park for a wintry walk. 
We've all been cooped up indoors due to the blizzard and illness for so long that I'm looking forward to some outside time.  I think I may also check to see if a special eatery is open too.  Afterwards, we may go for a yummy wintry treat.  I'm thinking maybe a walk in Central Park, visit to the Central Park Zoo and then maybe serendipity for a frozen hot chocolate.  We'll see.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Keep a-busy Cinderelly!

I developed a lovely dry hacking cough overnight.  Very sexy, if I say so.
The one thing about being ill as a mother and wife is that you get no chance to rest.  None. Zilch. Nada.
Last night I finally had it and said to DH, "I want to be mommied.  I'm sick.  I demand to be mommied."
Without looking up from his mactop, he dryly responded, "Do you want me to drive you to your mom's?"
I know men aren't wired like women but throw me a bone.
I read recently that 60% of women are unhappy with the inequality in the house.  I want to say it's more like 75%.  How is it that I'm ill yet I'm still taking care of our daughter, making us meals, cleaning the bathroom, doing laundry and dismantling our Christmas decorations. 
Yes I started early this year.  Call me whatever but I have a train track that has taken over my living room to the point that I crash into every freaking time.  DH has started calling me Godzilla.  My dog keeps eating the balls and my husband wants to buy more furniture.  I'm going minimalist.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Ikea

After all the running around, who gets sick?  Me and the dog.  We think the dog has something as her eyes are all gunky and she keeps peeing a stream.
Of course can Mommy rest when she's ill?  No.  Who rubs Mommy's back?  Who makes chicken soup for Mommy?  Who makes honey tea?  Who lets Mommy take a much needed nap? 
No one, that's who.
DH: Let's go to Ikea.
PG: Are you kidding me?
DH: Ok, you stay here and rest and I'll go with TG.
PG: And what are you going to do when you get back?  Put stuff together?  Where?  We still need to clean the areas and move things around while tending to our toddler. 
DH: I'll do it.
At this point, I'm wishing he would just say, "You are right.  I should take care of you.  Here, take the remote and the blanket.  I'll make you some tea and grab some kleenexes for you.  The quieter the environment the better."
PG: I don't want to start anything but I'd prefer you to take some junk out of the house before bringing more stuff in.  Let's get rid of the out dated dvrs sitting in your closet.  How about the old laptops and desktops?  If we got rid of them we wouldn't need to go to Ikea to find storage for them.  I'm not saying we don't need storage but some of this stuff we don't need to keep.
DH: We can get a dresser and put those boxes that you want me to put in storage in them.  What do you think?
PG: Ok, those boxes are stuff for our second child.  If you think it will be that soon that we'll have another, let's keep them here.  It makes sense.
DH:  {silence} Well, maybe I can just take TG out for a drive to let you rest.
They did go to Ikea anyway.  DH made his shopping list up and plans to go back when I feel better to pick everything up.

Monday, December 27, 2010

I can't whistle while I work so I'll sing while I shovel.

I really want to take TG out to sled for the first time today.
Unfortunately, after spending 3 hours digging my car out, I'm exhausted.
Yes, I, pantrygirl, dug our sportswagen (who are we kidding, it's a station wagon) out of the plowed in street.
Why did I do this?  I didn't need the car.  I didn't plan to use the car for the next few days.
Because, digging a car out of a iced in snow that was plowed onto your car is bad.  The sooner you do it, while the snow is still light and fluffy, the better.  20 inches of snow fall equals a car buried so high in plowed in snow, that it was barely viewable. 
I grabbed a shovel and started singing.  I figured it works for dwarves and compared to the snowbank I was shoveling, I looked like one.
I will say that it helps to be friendly and helpful to others.  It also helps to be a girl that is semi-attractive.  After sharing my shovel with two men, they came over and helped me clear some of the snow away.
DH said that my OCD helped in the situation as I even was able to clear the snow away from the bottom tires and I pushed the snow away from the car so that when the plow came back, they wouldn't trap us again.
Why didn't DH do it?  Because he is sick with a sinus cold.
I will say my shoulders did get a mighty workout.
Now if I can only feel my thighs again.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

White Christmas Day After

Gosh I love my family.  We had a leisurely Christmas dinner together.  It's not what I call the usual PG affair but we didn't need it.  No pressure.  Just relaxing and letting it be.
TG loved the mini sweaters that my mom knit for her Jay Raffe.  She also is very keen on the musical bells.  We keep two bells (A & F) by her home as they make the standard 'bing bong' sound of a door bell.
After the last few days, I'm beat and my husband could use some get well soon time.  I'm going to keep today low key. 
That's easier said than done when the first thing my sick husband wants to do is go to Ikea.  My husband is the type of person that puts something in his mind and it sticks there until its resolved.  He will nag you until you finally just go bonkers.  Because of this, most of the time I just give in because, well, I don't need a whining 40 year old to add to my 2 year old and puppy dog.
Today however, I had to put my foot down.
First, he's sick.
Second, there is a blizzard going on outside. 
DH: I'll be back in time before it gets bad.
PG: It has been snowing since 11am.  I had to go out and get provisions for us.  Provisions.  You don't get provisions unless something big is about to happen.
DH: But there is a sale.  No one will be there.
PG: I don't need to be the headline.  "Family found frozen in car filled with Ikea goods. Friends quoted as saying, "He was really excited about their sale."

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Simmer down folks, one present at a time please.

Christmas morning was a frazzled morning.  Unlike last year which was a little more laid back I had to juggle a MIL who had the patience of a gnat ("Open another present.  Open another present.") on video conference and a daughter who only wanted to play with one toy at a time (am I the only one happy about this?).
Oh and DH is ill and the dog keeps wanting to go out and pee.
We settled in for a hot chocolate and ham and cheese bake breakfast and am happily deciding that everyone will stay in their pajamas even through Christmas dinner with my family.  I can't be bothered with prettying myself nowadays. 
I think next year, I'm going to ask for tickets instead of toys and books and clothes for TG.  It's just too much for the givers.  TG likes to take her time with her stuff.  Everyone else wants to rip open the present and then chuck it over the shoulder and move on.
I'm hoping TG will not be like this and stay the way she is carefully inspecting a gift and playing with it.
She loves her house.  She calls it 'my house'.  I added a large pillow as her 'couch and added her lantern and kitchen inside of it.
She loves closing the windows and doors.

Friday, December 24, 2010

The stockings were hung on the tree (no chimney) with care

All presents wrapped except for the last minute Christmas presents DH bought for TG's friends.  Yup, it happened.
Oh and he finally went to storage and brought back 4 kitchen boxes.  None had any appliances but as a bonus Christmas gift to me, the boxes did contain kitchen utensils that I had been saving up for kid.  Mini ladles, measuring cups, etc.  TG was in hog heaven.  She loved her own whisk.  Oh and my rolling pin is back.  TG looked at it and thought it was a plank of wood and asked me to carry it ala 'Make 'Em Laugh'. (I'll explain another day.)
The real reason he went to storage after two years of asking was to pick up his train set.  He set it up on Christmas Eve so that on Christmas morning along with the gift bonanza she's see a big electric train.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Scrooged

I'm fairly certain that I'm just in in the Christmas spirit as I should be. 
I'm trying but being the keeper of Christmas at my home while juggling being a mom, wife and worker bee is pulling the jolly out of the holiday.
On a good note, I suppose, I have moved beyond planning the menu weeks in advance and have given up on my holiday meal.  You know I'm the weirdo that likes the special holiday sit down meal.  This year it's a buffet.  I have no time nor the area space to pull out the dining room table.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Why?

Every year as far as I can remember, I've made cookies for my office.
I used to make a lot more but since the atmosphere has changed from a team oriented department.
I actually used to hold a contest.  The division within the department who donated the most to City Harvest would receive a large box of homemade cookies from moi.
Now, I'm just down to 30 bags of cookies.  That's still alot and every year I ask myself why I do it.
This year, I found myself scooping another batch to put into the oven when I caught myself asking why I do it.
For me, it's a small gesture to the folks that help me every now and then.  I mean, sure the place isn't like a family or a team anymore but that doesn't mean I should stop trying to be human with folks.
If I can find the time to make a small batch of cookies to share with them once a year, why shouldn't I?

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

I'd like to see him make a freaking Christmas cookie

For the love of all things...
So we had our first Christmas party of the season this past weekend.  TG's friend's parents hosted a lovely informal shindig.
With the help of TG, we made homemade hand rolled chocolate christmas cookies.
We made four lovely packages and decorated them with a scrapbook card addressed to each one of her super close playmates.
Since DH knows TG's friend's parents better, I left it to his discretion to figure out what to bring to the shindig for the hosts.
As we stepped into the elevator, "Are you bringing wine or something for them?"
"Oh, that is a good idea.  Too bad we don't have any."
"We have two bottles in the pantry."
"That's the special 2002 wine.  We should keep it.  I'll go to the wine shop."
"We are already 1 hour late."
"We'll you started it.  If you didn't mention it, I wouldn't have thought to bring it."
Strike one.
Each kid loved their homemade treats and devoured them.
The next day, one of her friends stopped by while I was at the cemetery visiting my dad.  They brought over a small gift for our daughter.
When I returned DH said, "They said you gave them their daughter's present yesterday."
"Yes."
"You just gave them cookies."
"Homemade cookies."
"I guess I'll have to find something to give them."
Ok, first of all, if we bought a present for every kid friend our kid has, we'd be broke.  Second, we are broke.  Third, we gave them a present.  I know he doesn't mean to but honestly, he doesn't know how much work goes into making homemade freaking cookies.  Fourth, I busted my butt and I took the time to slow things down and do it with our daughter so she could learn and also play with me.  His little sentence just belittled all the work I did making the darn things.

Monday, December 20, 2010

I'm a freaking Keebler Elf & Christmas Elf rolled into one.

It's not a competition.  I understand that we do what we can with our talents.
I just don't understand how my husband may have missed the line when God was giving out multi-tasking abilities.
This year in particular, I've noticed that I have completed 90% of the Christmas shopping for my family, all the Christmas cards, including taking the darn photos, making the layout and printing the darn things out, mailed the cards, wrapped the presents and packaged the to be mailed items, paid for the shipping and addressed all the packages, planned and made my shopping list for Christmas morning eats, made all the cookies, pulled out the Christmas decorations from storage and put up the tree, by myself (ok with the help of my 2 year old).
Add to this lovely list the fact that I also had to pick out and purchase my mother's presents to our daughter, assist my MIL in picking out and tracking her presents for our daughter [my MIL swears if she doesn't track the packages via phone not online the packages will not arrive], wrap both my MIL's presents and mom's presents for our daughter, hide said presents, scramble to find Santa's gift for daughter after Amazon.com unceremoniously cancelled our order, change my Christmas night dinner menu three times thanks to my Mom's sudden procurement of a ham and make sure my husband doesn't feel left out as he said in October, "I'm beginning to not look forward to the holidays."
I'm right now elbow deep in cookie mode.  I gave up on the rolled out cookies after two batches.  Why?  1) although it was fun with my daughter, all my kitchen supplies are still in storage so we had to roll out the dough with her wooden toy rolling pins.  [Can I get a merit badge for this feat alone?  Two bloody batches with a toy rolling pin.] and 2) I have to package 30 bags of cookies for my office because, well, I'm an idiot but that's another post.
So where is my husband in all of this?  He's studying for finals.  Yes, I can't fault him for this.  However, can someone explain to me how I somehow manage to work, make meals that don't consist of almond butter and bread for our toddler and husband and handle the rest of the above?  How do I still find a way to help toddler experience all the wonders of Christmas in NYC?  How do I still find a way to help toddler learn a bit about the real meaning of the season by showing her the manager and asking her to help me put up the display?  How do I find time to find gag gifts for his family's Christmas party and figure out what to make to bring over for the buffet?
I need three things from him: 1. drop off the Christmas packages at the post office.  I even wrapped them and paid online for the shipping.  He couldn't do this until the last minute (I predated them two days ahead knowing this would not happen the next day) and had to go to the late night post office in midtown to drop them off.  2. figure out why I can't get the bottom half of the tree lights to light.  I somehow managed to require a male-male extension cord for the bottom half.  I think I get a pass after you have read all that I've been juggling but DH thinks I have a 'retarded' tree. 3. on Christmas Eve put together the two 'put together' toys for TG.
It's less than 5 days 'til Christmas and my tree is still only half lit and I'm wondering if I'm going to have to figure out how to put together TG's house.
I'm going to need some 'special' hot chocolate.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Odds and Ends Toys

My daughter loves measuring tapes.  Forget the cornucopia of toys in the house, give her a pencil, notebook, measuring tape and coins and she's entertained for hours.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Dirty Signs. Clean Signs.

My daughter likes pointing out the water stained tile train station signs as the trains pass the station.
Anyone that knows the NYC transit system understands this means TG's commentaries are a plenty.

Friday, December 17, 2010

They probably were hungry

I couldn't find the advent calendar that I wanted for TG.  I didn't have time to make one.
So this year, I decided we'd use our manger and TG would help me add additional animals and magi to the scene for 12 days leading to Christmas.  I figured this would be a good way to introduce Jesus' birth and how we wait and prepare for his birthday.
So far it's been good.  She actually has a thing for the cow and will bring the cow to her table when she eats her meals.
I also learned something myself. 
Yesterday, I walked past the manger and found my daughter placed a plate with her toy roast chicken in the manger.  I suppose she thought the Daddy and Mommy (she doesn't call them Mary and Joseph) could be hungry waiting for baby Jesus.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Dear Darling Husband

When I tell you that leaving your dirty laundry behind the bathroom door leads to the door ricocheting on our toddler when she bee lines to her potty do not respond, "Well, she'll only do it once and then she'll know better."

This is not what your wife wants to hear.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Wipes MIA

Why? Why? Why?  Is it DH always moves the wipes?  When I need them, I never know where the pack goes.  I refill the wipes in the bedroom, bathroom and living room nearly every other day because I can't find where he's moved it.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Wonder if elves need therapy.

My immunity is low.
I'm tired.
I'm stressed.
This time of the year is a jolly time.  Still I have so many things I have yet to do and so many other things that I can't even find the time to schedule to do.
DH has finals and projects so he's feeling the pressure as well.
I'm trying to leave him alone and not bother him with Christmas or other things but I'm beginning to get very weary.
It doesn't help that I've been told that I'm being relocated and need to pack my office up.
Luckily during my pregnancy, I was shuffled so many times that I learned to consolidate.  That and I'm a computer geek so I try to store everything electronically.
Still there is a degree of packing and figuring out where to put things and making sure IT knows to move my IP and all that jazz.
At home, I haven't even begun to work on Christmas cards.  This is the first year where I am so far behind in the card area.
I don't know when I'm going to be able to wrap let alone wrap my MIL's and Mom's gifts to TG.  How am I going to hide all these presents and how am I going to keep track of the wrapping?  Oy vey.
My husband has deemed my MIL's christmas gifts to TG the Chanukah presents as she has one for every crazy night of the festival of lights.
I honestly do love that the grandparents are asking me to help with the presents as it reduces duplicates and any toys that DH and I may have questions with.  Still, having them delivered to the one bedroom abode and trying to keep tabs of them and wrap them and hide them isn't fun.
Oh the best is my MIL, God love her, keeps texting me asking me what I think of the toys.  Lady, they are still in the amazon.com box because 1) when do I have time to unwrap them. 2) I ordered them.
Oh please let the Christmas holiday stress not do me in this year.  Trying to be elfish here but I'm so tired and exhausted.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Flashbacks, Imagination Blossoming & Deadly Weapons

My daughter has a strange list of 'favorite things'.
When I say favorite things, I mean the items she likes so much, she stashes them in her bed.  Parents, you know what I'm talking about.  It's as if all of us come into this world and have some type of hoarding gene.
My daughter has amassed a collection of odds and ends that I've just been stuffing into small easily to open boxes for my daughter to play with when I need a few minutes to start the rice or marinate the meat.  That sounds kinky.  Everything and anything from broken measuring tape (retraction doesn't work) and slinkies that are uncoiled to  post it love notes my husband and I used to send to each other and odd man out toys that survived the wrath of a puppy live in these boxes.  TG finds these items and dumps them on the floor.  As I clean up, if they don't belong to a toy or set and it's harmless, I stick 'em in a box.  It fascinates TG. She loves opening up the boxes to find out what's inside.
It also is a great way to see her imagination blossom.  She'll take the broken measuring tape doodad and pretend it's a harmonica or a 'freebie' notepad and binder I received and make it into her wallet notebook and stick old metrocards and stuff in it.
Anyway, items to date I can recall that I've found in her bed include:
A container of bunny crackers
A flashlight
A broken flashlight she uses as a microphone
A mini head flashlight
A tiny light used for illuminating table ornaments
Goodnight Gorilla
Her doll
Her polar bear doll (chilly bear)  By the way, chilly bear somehow has been deemed 'Mommy's lovey'.  Every night she gently places chilly bear on the opposite shoulder from her and places my arm around him.
A snowglobe which she gingerly carries around as I told her she needs to be gentle and take good care of it.
A purple ring
A topaz ring
Goodnight Moon
A book on Opposites
Several Sandra Boynton books
Guess How Much I Love You
DH's Measuring Tape

First, yes all of this stuff is in her bed in some shape or form.  Most of it is wedged against the mattress and the wall.  Some of it resides above her pillow in this little area we place diapers and wipes for overnight changes.
Today I need to share my observations on the measuring tape.  One, it's one of the more dangerous items as it's an actual metal retractable measuring tape.  Two, it hit me this evening as I saw her playing with it that when I was a kid, I loved my dad's measuring tape.  I remembering sitting on the pea green carpeting of my parent's room and pulling up the tape gingerly and slowly pushing it back in to close it.  I was never a snap back type of person.  Well that is exactly what I saw my daughter doing tonight.  She sat there and gingerly pulled the tape up and then gently guided it back down.
The appeal is obvious but it's also because Mary Poppins has a measuring tape.
We try to adhere to the recommendations of limited media for her.  We introduced her to MP recently though because she loves music and I have super fond memories of paying a quarter to see MP at my grammar school.  (I'm not that old, it was one of those movie festivals at my parochial school.  Back then, you were limited to what was deemed religiously, morally and kid friendly.)
Anyway, she loves the scene where Mary Poppins measures the children and she will re-enact this scene with me and DH whenever she sees the measuring tape.
I'm still weary of the measuring tape and I need to find one that is cloth and retractable to ease my mind.  Prior to seeing the movie, my mom gave her a retractable cloth one that looked like a bear.  (That's the one I described in the box.)  It broke.  Then I gave her my non-retractable measuring tape and she said and I quote, "No, That's not it." 
So now I have to hunt for an allusive cloth retractable measuring tape.  Not something most moms would search for during the holiday season but that may help my odds of finding one.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Am I going to have to hide our presents in storage?

With the month of December upon us, my UPS delivery man is running on overdrive, especially to our apartment.  Both grandparents have decided that I handle Christmas which means I get the joy of figuring out what to get her from Santa, her parents and two sets of grandparents.  Not only that, I have the joy of receiving the packages, hiding them and then wrapping them, hiding them again and then figuring out how to get them under the tree before we head off to the in laws celebrations on the eve of Jesus' Birthday.
Don't get me wrong, this does help to ensure we don't duplicate gifts and she gets a well rounded distribution of clothes, books and toys.  Yes, I am big on books for gifts.  I like to keep with themes.  Books on aircrafts and toy wooden aircrafts, etc...  It helps keep the reading spark alit.
But at this time, the week before Christmas, I'm dealing with the insanity of boxes and more boxes and trying to hide them in our tiny apartment.  What am I going to do when she's older.  Won't a million boxes being delivered clue our kid that something is up?  I'm wondering how I'm going to get these presents wrapped and where the heck I'm going to stash them now.  What am I going to do when she's older?

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Dirty Filthy Signs

TG likes to say that we are in a tunnel when we ride the subway.
She then says it's dark like Jonah and proceeds to sing Nothing Much in Tarshish by Justin Roberts.
It's actually quite sweet.

Since she was 1 year old, I would read out the numbers as we stopped or passed a station.
She still is very young and only knows a handful of numbers but it's cute when she tries.

Lately, she points out when a water stained sign is 'dirty' versus the 'clean' signs.  TG, every sign in the NYC subway system is filthy.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Calgon

Sometimes it's hard to feel as if you need to be the girl scout.  You need to be the one prepared because no one else will.
It's done purely as a self preservation method for me.
1.  I don't want to set off my OCD.  For me, if things aren't 'feeling right', I have to do it until it is just so.  This sets my husband off by the way so I try to hide alot of this quirkiness.  It's a delicate balance.  Keep family from going nuts because of my nuttiness yet keep my sanity by avoiding letting my nuttiness get backed.  Yes it backs up.
2.  If I'm prepared then it doesn't set off others around me.  If I can plan or foresee something as simple as making sure the raincoats are clean and ready by the door for the forecast rain tomorrow, I'll do so.  It saves me from watching and feeling my stomach roll over in knots as my husband who tends to run on a different time zone rushes to get where he needs to while a toddler poops her pants and a dog pees on our kitchen rug.
3. Sometimes, it's easier for me to just suck it up and do it knowing it will make other's lives easier because that makes my life easier.  I can't change the fact my husband will always be harried.  However, I can change his outlook and disposition if I prepare.  If I prepare food for the kid and him and pack the bag with diapers and wipes, then he may be two steps from frustration rather than one step.  I don't get that terrible tummy knot and my daughter gets a more smoother rush out the door.
Problem is, it can get to me sometimes.
I don't want accolades.  I don't want acknowledgment.  I just wish I didn't have to do this all the time.
I know some folks would say this is motherhood/wifedom.
I'm not complaining.  I'm know this is because God has given me this for a reason.
Sometimes, I just wish this compulsion or whatever it is would allow me to leave the dishes alone for one night.

Thursday, December 09, 2010

Everybody toots

Ok, this is highly embarrassing but so funny I'm chuckling about it a day later.
We all try to sneak a gas pass.  It's human nature.
When DH and I were just the two of us, he'd blame the dog.  Nowadays he does either two things: hopes it doesn't stink revealing his dirty secret or he gets up and moves towards the window.
Most of the time the window thing barely works.  God love him for the effort though.
So flashforward to yesterday.
TG was at her play kitchen, which so happens to be by the window, completely concentrated on her play.  She was quite oblivious of what was going on around her.
DH spied some left over pizza on her table and went over to snag the last piece.  Then he walks away towards the kitchen. 
He comes back and sees our daughter standing still with her finger on her nose with the funniest expression we have ever seen.  It was a mix of disgust and confusion.  DH cops to letting one loose.  "Oh sorry honey, Daddy tooted."
I lost it.  I was in tears.  Her senses were so assaulted she was stunned.  She didn't move.  She didn't speak.  She just stood there in shock holding her nose for what seemed like a whole minute.
Apparently, this is a primal instinct.  I mean can anyone recall having to teach their kid to hold their nose? Other than when swimming or bathing, of course.  I mean we can all recall showing our kids how to cover their ears, their mouths, their eyes.  But I don't recall ever showing my kid how to hold her nose.
Anyway, that image of my daughter's encounter with the smelly kind is etched in my head. 

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

Reading is fundamental

My kid has lost all interest in reading.  Ok not all interest but it seems like lately whenever we sit to read, her attention span is smaller.
DH is no help as he says that TG can read with me.  Way to go with team parenting, DH.
We used to be able to get through a book together.  Nowadays we barely get past three or four pages.
I'm sure it's a phase but it irks me so.  We used to have a good time reading together.
Maybe with all the Christmas stuff it's hard for her to concentrate.
It drives me nuts though that I can show her friend a book on a topic, like airplanes and show them the actual toy airplane and they are fascinated by the book and try to correlate the object in their hand with what's going on in the book.
Please tell me this is a phase or maybe I should focus more time on reading again.
Ever since DH placed our Dining Room table against TG's bookcase, she can't readily get her books.   I didn't think anything of it as she has a million books in her bookshelf in the bedroom.  Maybe I should try to bring her books closer to her again.
Argh...  Please tell me this is passing.
Must focus on reading again.

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Forward Facing

We turned my daughter's car seat forward facing.  I think it's still too early but I pick and choose my battles with my husband.  I'm surprised he lasted this long with it rear facing.  Since he's still a little tender about breastfeeding, I figure she can turn.  She's almost reaching the height limits and it is almost 2.5 years so I said ok.

Monday, December 06, 2010

Snowglobe

TG loves snowglobes.  I pulled out my Charlie Brown and Snoopy snowglobe that I received many Christmases ago.  She loves it.  I told her that she needs to take good care of the snowglobe.  Ever since, she's gingerly carrying it and playing with it in her favorite place.  We know this is her favorite place as she puts all her favorite books and items she is keen on in her bed.
Last night, I found the snowglobe resting next to her doll, flashlight and copy of Goodnight Gorilla.

Sunday, December 05, 2010

Star Daddy

My daughter can dial her daddy.
She knows to click the green phone and she repeats, "Star Daddy. Star Daddy."
I thought she was saying, "Call Daddy," until I looked at my phone.

Saturday, December 04, 2010

Dog Sweater

Our dog was given a green light to go outside and do her business. She went to the dog run with DH and TG for the first time and had a ball.
Of course, this also means that we bought our dog a coat.
The vet gave her a clean bill of health and said we need to make sure she wears a coat when we wear a coat.
I am officially a dog owner who dresses their dog.
The vet told DH that our dog can wear toddler sized clothing so feel free to raid TG's closet.
I'm sorry but I can't put my kid's sweater on my dog. Maybe if I had 8 kids, I'd reconsider but it's my daughter and most of her sweaters are from my mom and unless my mom makes a dog specific sweater for Tasha, I can't put my kid's grandma sweater on her.
I did give her some old fleece pullovers though so I'm not completely scroogey.

Friday, December 03, 2010

What does that mean?

TG's new phrase is, "What does this mean?"
I guess she's begun that toddler stage where she wants to understand.
This sounds deceivingly easy but it is not.
Your less than 3 foot single digit child suddenly becomes an investigative reporter.
PG: Wow, there is a lot of traffic.
TG: What does that mean?
PG: It means there are many cars on the road and it is crowded.
TG: What does that mean?
PG: It means there are more cars than roadway available and we all need to wait and take our turn.
TG: What does that mean?
PG: It means we need to be patient and we will get home soon.
TG: What does that mean?
PG: It means we need to be understanding and before you know it we will be home.
TG: What does that mean?
PG: It means we need to be neighborly and stop crowding and we will move soon.
TG: What does that mean?
PG: It means we should have taken the train.
TG: What does that mean?
PG: Honey, I don't know. What do you think it means?
TG: Tasha go pee pee on floor.
PG: Yes PG. By the time we get home, your puppy probably will have pee peed on the floor.

Thursday, December 02, 2010

The tree is not to pee on.

I originally planned to put up our Christmas Tree after the Immaculate Conception (12.08).  I figured this would earlier than last year's brilliantly unplanned, let's wait until Christmas Eve Eve to put up the tree, prepare a dinner, wrap gifts and what not.
This year with a puppy, a puppy kennel and a potty learning toddler in the house, I did not want to add another item into our tiny apartment.
Unfortunately Christmas spirit is taking over and I think I may put the Christmas tree up on time or even earlier.
Of course none of this would be possible if DH had taken the Christmas storage boxes into storage like I had asked him last January.  Instead they sat stacked up like a Jenga game next to our bathroom.
I guess for that, I should thank my husband.  We may live like we're two steps from being cast in an episode of 'Hoarders' but at least we'll have our Christmas decorations up when they film.

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Giant rats, a man cracking nuts, a cool uncle and a bunch of sugar plum fairies

My kid went to experience her first taste of the Nutcracker.
Bless DH as he took her.  She's only two and I refuse to spend $100+ on tickets for us when her attention span is just about the time it takes to boil pasta.
DH and two of her playmates headed downtown to check out a 1 hour version of the holiday ballet.
You'd think I would be a little sad that her first experience with a ballet or The Nutcracker was with him and not me.  I thought about it and I'm okay with it.
I'm not a big ballet fan.  I know that sounds ridiculous as my mother had me every class imaginable when I was a kid.
I recall my first trip to see the Nutcracker.  I got dressed like folks used to to check out a Broadway show.  I remember feeling like a big kid and really excited to go to my first ballet.
The most memorable thing I recall about the show was the houselights and the velvet-like seats.
I think I spent more time staring at the procenium arch than the action on stage.  Funny thing is, TG did the same thing at the recent Laurie Berkner Band concert.  That was a well worth the full price tickets I paid.
I don't think I bought the plot.  I know that sounds ridiculous but seriously, a rat king and a nutcracker that comes to life?  It just didn't seem like something a lucid person would write.   The beginning is great.  A big Christmas gathering.  I get it.  An eccentric uncle.  Cool.  A bratty brother who breaks a doll.  I can relate.  Then Clara goes to bed.  That's when they lose me. 
If there is that big of a rodent problem in her house that she's dreaming of giant rats, I think they are serious cleanliness issues in her home.
As you can tell, I wasn't your normal kid.
I suppose at some point, I'll take TG to a full version of the Nutcracker and she can develop her own opinion.  Maybe I'll get off easy and DH will take her.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

I don't want to shop for myself let alone you.

It has dawned on me that I have not done any shopping.  This is not good.  Christmas is around the corner and I can't get myself motivated to do any shopping.  One) it requires money which I don't have.  Two) it requires time which I don't have.  Three) I don't want to.  I can use that, right?  I mean, I'm in my 30's so I think I have earned the ability to say, "Because I don't want to." on occasion.  My kid can and she's only two.
Thankfully we don't have many gifts to buy but still it requires having to deal with either the mad rush at stores or the craziness of finding 'lightning deals' and 'coupons'.  By the way, can someone tell me how evil a person must be to always know that the items I want to buy is always $5.00 shy of the free shipping or other discount?  Evil, I tell you!  Evil!

Monday, November 29, 2010

I'm shopping for a dog coat. A dog coat.

My dog just ran into me at maybe 10 mph and I swear I'm going to have a bruise on my calf.
My dog so needs to go out an expend some energy.  In less than a week we can start walking her outside and potty training her.  Of course since she has no fur, we need to introduce to her a coat and possibly booties.
Yes, I've had dogs before and yes my dogs have worn booties on occasion but never a coat.  I can't express how I'm really sort of embarrassed about this.
I always thought coats and apparel for dogs was a bit kooky and slightly ridiculous.  Now I find myself shopping, yes shopping for a coat for my dog.  Tasha has no fur, just hair, so the vet said we need to keep her warm during the chilly winter months here in NYC.
That doesn't help me deal with the embarrassment I have shopping and eventually going out with a dog with a coat on.  I guess the embarrassment is something I need to get over.  It's purely based on my ideas that people who put clothes on their pets are either slightly short of a full stack or for the lack of a better word, 'richie'.  (I have watched 'Pretty in Pink' one too many times.)
I am so not in the 'richie' category which only means I may be slightly kooky.  I suppose I could live with kooky.  At least I'm not the kind of kooky where I'm talking to inanimate objects and collecting used candy wrappers.  Oh great, I've probably doomed myself.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

1st Holiday Window Display

Took TG to see Santaland for the first time today.  We skipped St. Nick as TG isn't into him and we agreed to only bring her if she truly asks.
In fact, at the end of Santaland she looked at Santa and then said, "No thanks.  Bye Bye." and walked away from Santa.  I found it humorous.  Apparently Egg Nog, Santa's camera elf, thought so too.
When she saw Santaland and the Train conductor, with spats, she went into a running frenzy rushing me into ride the train.  She loved the train.  I think I have to take her to the polar express train this year.  It's 2 hours away but I think it will be worth it.
She also saw her first holiday window display.  This year Macy's displays were Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus and of course, Miracle on 34th Street.
She seemed more interested in going inside than viewing the windows.
She did enjoy holding my hand and stepping on and off the escalator.  She held her Jay Raffe tightly and held my hand just as tight.  We went down 9 escalators and she loved every single flight.  She was so proud.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Pats Self on Back

I did it.
I've been working on this forever.
Ok, I've been trying to work on it forever but I seriously needed a Time Turner to get it done.
I finished my daughter's 1st year memory book.
It's missing alot of 3D items but I'm just glad I finished the book.
I have one more item to add to it but it's easy.
Now I can work on her 2nd year book.
Maybe I'll be able to finish this one before she's driving.

Friday, November 26, 2010

I used to like post-turkey day eats.

So it's the day after and I'm already done with the turkey meal.  I think the reason I'm not so into it this year is that TG doesn't eat much of it and so I'm making a fresh meal for as it is.  So I essentially eat the leftovers while she eats fresh pasta or whatnot.
I'm feeling as if it's second skimmings instead of the usual post Thanksgiving treat.
That and I can't see the back of my refrigerator.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Turkey Day

Spent Thanksgiving with my husband's cousins.  It was nice as TG had some young kids (3, 5, 6) to play with.  It was also nice because we had older kids (15+) that fawned over her.  This allowed this Mommy to have a beer and relax a little.
This year, TG started to eat mashed potatoes.  For a while it was a no go on mashed potatoes but this year she seemed rather keen on it.
Only mishap was when the 3 year old decided she was tired of the 2.5 year old and locked her in the bathroom.  We heard banging and she was rescued by her second cousin, Monica.  She settled down after a few minutes of cuddling and then she went off with the older cousin girls.  Apparently every time they walked near the bathroom, she would hold her cousin's hands and point out that she was 'stuck in the potty over there'.
I'm actually pretty proud she got over it rather quickly and was even able to express what had happened.
That's my girl.
She also was in awe at her second cousin's bedroom which is completely Thomas the Engine-fied.  I  think she had more fun with the 5 year old boy's room than the 3 year old girl's room.  She did seem thrilled at the dollhouse.  Perhaps that will be her birthday present?  I think she's still a bit too young for one though.
I spent 30 minutes giving the 2.5, 3 and 5 year old rides on a ride along police car.  Apparently I provided the thrust.  Boy howdy did they love that.  TG sat inside and steered while the 5 year old boy rode on the hood and the 3 year old ballerina rode on the side.
We went home and we had a quiet Thanksgiving meal as well.  Of course, this means we have Thanksgiving eats for the rest of the weekend.  Usually, I'm pretty psyched about that but this year, I suppose all the cooking at 5am put a damper on it for me because I'm really not looking forward to turkey all weekend.  At least I only made enough for the weekend.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Very Big Balloons

We went to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Balloon Inflation.  It was the first for all three of us.  We went early as 1) a two year old doesn't need to be up so late and 2) we figured she's still not aware of all the balloons or characters so a day time viewing of it would help.
It was cold and very crowded but we all had a blast.  It was a lot of fun to point out the colors and shapes.  (My kid has no idea who Pikachu, Snoopy or the Wimpy Kid is yet.)
Afterwards we continued our cold weather holiday tradition and grabbed a hot chocolate on the way home.  The kid is usually very cautious with her drink cup but with the hot chocolate, it's as if she has liquid gold in there.  The kid is extra careful not to spill any.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Advent preparations

Elf is already on television.  I'm not complaining.  I love Elf.  It's my new tradition since I received the DVD from DH that we play it as we decorate the tree.  This year, I plan to decorate the tree after December 8th.  I'm not in any rush as I really don't know where I'm going to place it.
Plus I was reading about how we should remember advent as a time of preparation and waiting. 
I'm also thinking of making an advent wreath with TG.  She's still fairly young but I"m still a bit upset I wasn't able to get the advent calendar I've been eyeing. 
Actually I had some Mothra inspiration and thought it might be more appropriate at this age to just bring our our nativity scene and every night pull out characters and animals one a day until Christmas.  I don't have 24 items in our manager scene but at this age a toddler only has a limited time span so 12 days should suffice.

Monday, November 22, 2010

A sprinkle here. A sprinkle there.

My kid pooped in the potty for the first time.  Of course this was the end to an hour block in which I had pee pawprints behind me and toddler pee footprints in front of me.
TCFC and daughter came over and well, the puppy became so excited she jumped onto her and peed next to my daughter's piano.
Then as I was finishing cleaning that up, I went to TG's play kitchen to find her friend had an accident and so I had to take her clothes off and dry her up and then clean up the foam mats and floor.  As I finished that, TG tried to take her clothes off to join the pee festivities and then the pup continued to pee as if she had just drank a venti latte.
In the midst of the great pee fountain that my apartment has turned into, my daughter decides to push me away and asked for that mommy.  Way to make me feel better, espeically since that's the TCFC Neighbor.
Seriously, I need a pee break.
Oh and what is it about kids and how they have to be completely stark naked to pee?  Seriously, I even have to take off necklaces and barrettes so she can go to the bathroom.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Mmm Hot Chocolate

TG woke up and exclaimed, "I'm hungry.  Hot chocolate?"
Guess hc made a big impression.
Oh and just in case you wondered, hot chocolate comes out looking and smelling just about the same as it goes in.  I'm just saying.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Jolly Holiday

Wonderful day today.  It was a day that even a trifecta of our car being towed, cell phone batteries dying and a massive poop explosion that beats any newborn or infant blow out couldn't get me down.
We went downtown and TG experienced watching an ice skating performance.  She saw one last year at Rockefeller Center but I think she was still too young to process it all.
This year she was extremely responsive and descriptive. She at first described it as rollerskating.  She still confuses it a bit but she understands the concept.  She described the spinning and backwards skating and even told me when the girls skated in a circle.
TG seemed to really enjoy the Zamboni machine as well.  She called it the Boney Machine and said it 'cleans the ice'.  Man do I hope this whole cleaning phase lasts.
We were watching a juggling troupe when TG turned and exclaimed, "Like Daddy."  As soon as we she said that we met up with DH and watched the rest of the juggling and a few more entertainers before we saw what DH and I and probably every parent there was looking forward to, a performance by Bob Dorough.  If you were a SchoolHouse Rock fan, you are a Bob Dorough fan.
TG has been listening to "Three is a Magic Number" since she was born so when he started to sing, she stopped in her tracks.  She had this stillness that said, "Hmm, how does he know that song?"  She then jumped onto the stage and danced along.  She also seemed to enjoy the jazz standards which only confirms she heard these aplenty while she was incubating in my belly.
We ended the day with TG's first taste of hot chocolate.  She seemed to be taken aback by the term "hot chocolate" but as soon as took the first sip, she was hooked.   I thought ending the 1st holiday family outing with some hot chocolate seemed appropriate.  I'm glad we did.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Lap Sitting

We've decided not to bring TG to Santa until she requests it.  If Santa is around during an event, that's one thing but we're not about to bring her to Santa to sit on his lap yet.


I was never a bit Santa fan.  As a child, I was apprehensive of sitting on Santa's lap.  I found it odd that he'd want  a stranger to sit on his lap.  I also thought it strange that he would know all about me and whether I was good or bad.  I mean, how would he really know unless he was spying on me.  If he was spying then he's shifty and I shouldn't trust a shifty person.
I guess I was a New Yorker from day one.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Getting too jazzed about the holidays. Hope I don't burn out.

Our dog gets snipped tomorrow.  We are one step closer to getting a green light to start walking her.  I cannot wait.  I am very tired of cleaning up pee and poop in her little potty area as TG calls it.
On one hand it's easier as I'm not dressing my kid up in winter clothes and taking our dog our to walk every few hours but between TG pottying and the dog pottying, I'm living in a latrine.
Plus, I have no idea where I'm going to put the tree.  I have to say though my idea of putting all the breakable and sentimental ornaments away in storage and buying a fake tree and shatterproof ornaments seems like the right move.  Sure I miss my ornaments but I figure in a few years, I can pull them out and TG and I can go through them and hang them up together and share the stories of each one.
The tree is the last thing on my mind as 1) Thanksgiving hasn't come and gone yet and 2) I'm just too excited about creating a holiday to do list with TG.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Spending time watching.

Another long night at the office tonight.  It's getting ridiculous.  I'm really feeling burnt.
I generally don't say anything but I think I need to tomorrow.
I'm also trying to get into a rhythm to help combat these crazy days filled with meetings that prohibits doing anything to prepare for the next day's meetings.
TG has been asking for me a lot since I've been away from her.
She's not clingy but more wanting to be with me and participate with me.  It's a little different than when she was younger.  Now I'm guessing she understands I need to be away but I'll be back and when I'm back, she wants to help me do things that need to get done.
"Mommy go to work?"
"Yes, Mommy go to work."
"Be back later?"
"Yes, TG."
When I get back she wants to help me vacuum and wind the cord up.  She wants to help me empty and fill up the dishwasher.  She wants to sit with me and talk about the day.
She wants me to change her diaper and watch her get dressed. (She can put her pants on and shirt on with minimal assistance.)
It's kind of nice and its the sort of thing I need after a long day staring at the computer or in meetings.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Christmas spirit and avoiding grinchiness

This is the year I'm really getting back into the Christmas spirit.  The last few years have been good but this year in particular, I'm really feeling that holly jolliness.  It reminds me a lot about my Dad.  He had faults like all humans but he geniunely wanted to do good and to be a good dad to the best of his abilities.
I remember my Dad taking us downtown for Christmas festivities. 
This year I think TG is old enough to begin these traditions.
We've done some already.  We've gone to Rockefeller but we get to delve into some other items.  I'm pretty psyched.
I know this is an iffy situation.  It can go sour if DH and I wind up having another miscommunication.  So I know I need to be open-minded and roll with the punches.  I suppose it's a good exercise.
I know I can be a bit crazy with my to do lists.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Puppy Pottying and Toddler Pottying

Here is some potty news.
TG is still happily peeing in the potty when she is sans pants.  Sometimes she'll even hold her pee until she knows we'll slap a diaper on her (usually when we go out).  Then boy howdy does she fill that thing.
Tasha for the most part has only one accident at home now.  We still can't start allowing her to go out to potty so I know I have a long road ahead with both potty milestones.
Right now, DH and I are in the hard realization we are surrounded by poop.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Up and out

TG loves to try to do everything now.  She can now put her pajama pants on by herself (sometimes backwards).  She isn't quite there yet with the shirt but she makes it into a great little skirt around her waist.  She also ties the long sleeve arms around her waist like a belt.
She can put her velcro shoes on and she is slowly learning how to take her sweaters off.  She can unzip zippers but can't get quite get her arms out of the armhole.
All this is great because it does help with getting ready in the morning but right now we're at this point where it takes longer than usual to put and take things off.
It's making getting out of the house a little longer than folks without kids can understand.  Add DH Time and we barely get out of the house.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Parenting like no one but yourself

I have a realization that I think I realized before but it still hits me like a ton of bricks.  I like to spend as much time with my daughter because that's what I had wanted as a little child with my mom.  My mom is an immigrant and as a child, I didn't have the luxury of a mom and dad who could spend a lot of time with me or experience times of discovery with me.  They tried they best they could and went above and beyond to the best of their means.
Now, I'm trying to do the best with my means and I'm trying to hone in on experiences and time together because that's what I wanted as a child.
Plus, I'm am awestruck at times when I see my child discover or use inference or memory to correlate actions, items or thoughts.  It is absolutely amazing to watch a person learn.
My husband was raised where he didn't have the luxury to explore his environment and socialize so all he does is allow our daughter to socialize and explore.
We both think it's important for her to have the freedom to discover using all of her senses.  We don't think she she be placed in an environment where she is meant to feel boxed or restricted. (Both of us had a degree of this in our childhood).  We make it a point to discover and search out places that are child friendly but not over-commercialized or bubble wrapped.  We try to be honest with her and both don't talk to her in a deeming way.  (Kids don't just follow grown up rules.)
We don't use the terms 'good' or 'bad' to describe a chid and this is hard for our parents to understand.  My mom still tells her she's a 'good girl'.  I've decided to just let this slide as she only sees my daughter at most once a month.
We don't press the image of a princess or the stereotype of a weaker sex.  We hope to help her grow in confidence, self reliance and the importance of social justice.  The last one started after reading a million articles about bullying and kindergarten and noticing that my daughter would allow everyone to go down the slide before she would go.  I don't think it was bullying but she wanted to not feel pressure.  Still, we also remind each other the importance of waiting our turn and she's starting saying this to her friends, too.
DH and I are building our parenting based on our desires and wishes from when we were younger.  I guess that's what we all do to some degree.  Parenting is completely personal.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Sleep and more sleep please

I'm so wiped out from the last few days.  I'm fighting a tickle in my throat and a low immune system and am taking oscillococcinum.  I'm in desperate need of sleep and I'm getting very sick of having to clean up my freaking dog's pee and poop.  (I cannot wait until we can start to walk her outside.)
I am at a point where I just go with the flow and just say, "It is what it is."

Thursday, November 11, 2010

God Bless Military Men, Women and Families

For all the craziness that DH and I put each other through.  For all the times we wish we had more time to spend together.  For all the times where we fight.  I know I'm still absolutely blessed to have him by my side and to be near me.
On this day in particular, it humbles me to know of the thousands of women, men and children who don't have their spouse, father or mother with them because they are out there protecting me and my family.
I know God has blessed us not only with what we have but for being where we are and having folks who sacrifice so much more than most could probably understand.
Thank you to all the veterans and armed service men and women who sacrifice their time, safety and their family's time to protect my family's freedom and safety.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Beyond tired

I spent over 12 hours at work today.  I went home realizing I had less than 10 hours before I had to be back in the office.  That is all.

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Cupcake Nibbler

My kid thinks every cupcake or cake is a birthday cake.
It's very cute.  She runs and grabs her birthday hat and put it on and sings Happy Birthday.
TG and I made some delicious banana muffin cupcakes with 5 very overripe bananas that were taunting me.
Of course, it dawned on me as I handed her her cupcake, she didn't know how to eat it.
First, she made her first under the table tent today.
Well, I made it.  She went in it, grabbed her flashlight from her bedroom and a pillow and said she was going to take a nap there.  It was adorable.
I figured since she's been asking for these 'hideaway' spaces, it may be something I can work with for Christmas.  More on that later.
The cupcake was sort of her special treat inside her hideaway.
She honestly didn't know how to eat it.  At birthday parties and even her own party, we had cupcakes but she never wanted to eat one.  Now she showed interest.
I had DH show her how to eat one.  She didn't seem to like the peeling and biting off a chunk too much so I split the cupcake into four pieces and she nibbled on 2 of the 4 pieces.
I'm not complaining.  Some kids probably would wolf it down.  I'm happy with a cupcake nibbler.

Monday, November 08, 2010

Soups and stews

My daughter and husband are on a beef soup kick.
They can't get enough of beef stew (beef soup is what TG calls it).
TG loves the broth and beef.
DH loves everything except the onions.
I've made beef soup for three weeks straight now.  Once a week, I make a giant batch and keep it in the refrigerator.
I'm kind of beef souped out but they love that stuff and I'm comforted knowing that he's giving her something nutritious for lunch.
I do plan not to make it next week though.  I guess I'll go back to my staple of slow baked tomato meat sauce.  Right now, soups and sauces are the best means of making me feel as if my family is getting a healthy portion of veggies, protein and what not.
I think my slow cooker needs a break from beef.
I'd try chicken soup but it's not that big of a hit nowadays.
TG used to love her some chicken soup.  Give her a straw and some warm broth and she was loving it.
Maybe after thanksgiving, I'll bring back a soup.  Hmmm, I think I may make Italian Wedding soup next week.  That's a yummy soup and TG loves the broth.

Sunday, November 07, 2010

Is this what she thinks is a midnight snack?

TG is more verbal and has now taken to telling us when she is hungry.
Usually this is at 10pm just when I think she's about to fall out.
What the hell is that all about?
We ate dinner together at 7pm kid.  We took a bath.
We read our Goodnight Gorilla and said our prayers.
It's time for bed not snack.
I've been trying to combat this with making sure I have the following in her room: 'fresh water', bunny crackers, daddy crackers and if we had pasta at night, some plain whole wheat pasta.
That way, if/when she says she's hungry, I have it all in the bedroom and she can snack in the dark.
Sometimes, I notice she says this after she's had a massive poop at 9pm.  Maybe she really is empty.

Saturday, November 06, 2010

Daydreams

My husband keeps trying to get me to go to the movies or do something outside without my daughter.  Sure, I don't do many things alone nowadays but it hasn't been an issue to me.  I'm not complaining.  I'm not daydreaming about it.  It's getting to be really freaking annoying.
DH: You know, if you play nice with my gal pal, we can see Harry Potter together.
Honey, although I love HP, I'm not into watching it in the theatre.  I can watch it when it comes out on cable.  And trying to entice me by mentioning I should be nice to your neighbor mom, isn't the carrot that I need.
Want to know what I'm daydreaming about? 
  • Not having to do the dishes in the morning because I fear if I get up while you are up you will yell at me for being up doing dishes at 3am.  
  • Being able to finish my daughter's 1st year scrapbook before she turns 16.
  • Not having to figure out what to make for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks so my that even when I'm in the office, I'm not worried that my kid is having a kashi bar and bunny crackers for lunch.
  • Not being afraid to come home after work for fear that I'll be left with a puppy to watch and clean up after,  a toddler who hasn't napped, a house that looks like a tornado blew by, twice and maybe some pop by friends who you graciously welcome in just as you are heading out the door and I'm stepping in.

Friday, November 05, 2010

Can bear to be home a little more often now.

I alluded to my husband a concern I have with DH having an open door policy with a neighbor mom and her daughter recently.
Honestly, I really don't have a huge concern.  I have a concern but not an antenna raising concern.  Ever since I mentioned it to him, I think he's been simmering down with the visits and open door policy. 
I think DH is really into her because he feels that he can rely on her for things like dropping off our kid at their place.  Personally, I don't feel comfortable about that and only because not two days into their move, my husband started to do so.
Anyway, it's still a bone of contention with us but I noticed a different air about his fights with me about her.  It's not longer about how I don't like his friends or that I have don't know how to be neighborly.
I'm not feeling as claustrophobic or fearful of staying at home these days.  Maybe that's slowing my uneasiness.

Thursday, November 04, 2010

Who has time for holiday crazies?

The days are getting crazier and crazier and I feel as though days are melding into each other.  I'd like to say it's the holiday crazies but I'm too busy with everything else to do anything holiday oriented.  Between DH's school and my work and a toddler and a puppy in the house, it's just been a whole lot of poop and pee.
Oh and for the love of God, can someone tell me why my puppy is eating her poop?  It's is the most heinous thing in the world.  Our vet says no one really knows and what not.  He says it's a keeping clean thing he surmises.
We have 4 more weeks before we can allow her to go outside.  Although the idea of having to take her out every 3-4 hours in between everything else I need to schedule into my day is not exciting, I will be glad to get ready of these freaking wee wee pads.
I've changed her diet to no corn, no fillers and added pumpkin.  I don't know if that works like some articles have suggested because, well, I'm the only one doing that.  DH is giving her regular food and not adding pumpkin.
Whatever.  I have pumpkin leftover and it's not going to last for pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving so the pup gets a treat.
Oh and can someone give me a suggestion for a side dish to bring to Thanksgiving? 
I told my mom that I really can't handle two thanksgivings for awhile.  I explained with a toddler it's really hard to do more than 1 major event in a day.  I think she understood.  She gave me a massive guilt trip last year I was afraid of her reaction.
So we're just going to DH's but I usually bring a veggie dish.  I brought Julia Child's Ratatouille last year.  I haven't been hit with an inspiration bug yet for a dish.

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Host with the Most

DH is continuing the daily visits and playdates and borrowing of items with our neighbor.
I've taken to follow another friend's husband's approach of coming home and retiring to the bathroom and bedroom.
If it's a school night, DH has the choice of kicking everyone out or entertaining them.
It shouldn't be my responsibility if he is hosting or allowing folks to come and go as they please.

Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Things Daddy can do that Mommy can't.

Say, "Ok, bye bye." and pretend to leave.
She calls my bluff and continues on her merry way.

Monday, November 01, 2010

Stress and more stress.

I'll tell you one thing, the one thing we aren't short of in this world is stress.
Stress is getting the better of us and the last three weeks have been filled with snippy comments back and forth.
It's getting to be too much.
Different parenting ideas and interactions aren't making it any easier.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Dressed up for Halloween

Happy Halloween!
Today for the first time, DH, TG and I dressed up.
It's not something I want to make a habit of but it seemed appropriate to what TG dressed as.
I know it's not my husband's cup of tea and it lead to some harsh commentary but it turned out well afterwards.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

1st pumpkin carving

TG carved her first pumpkin today. She carved the right eye while I carved the different shapes she wanted.
"Nose. Rectangle."
"Are you sure? Ok, rectangle nose."
I think as a mom this was more fun and thrilling than anything. I'm not artistic. I've only carved a pumpkin a handful of times but today was like the first time.
I could do no wrong.
Sure, it was super basic but it about doing it with her that made it the best.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Pumpkins vs Jack O Lanterns

TG isn't keen on jack-o-lanterns. She much rather prefer a whole pumpkin.
This I learned at the Jam-BOO-Ree and the Pumpkin Sail.
Maybe once she sees how are jack-o-lantern is made she won't be so afraid.
She's also not to keen on stilt walkers.
She likes jugglers though.
In general she is apprehensive of all strangers. I prefer it that way.
She doesn't take anything, even stickers from strangers or folks she see's weekly (church). She points to me or DH. We take the stickers and then she will come to grab one.
DH says this is good. He doesn't want her to take anything from anyone.
At the playground, if another father or mother offers help and it's not one of the moms and dads she knows well, she will stare down the person and then come to me and bring me over to where she is.
I hate to raise a cynic but in this city, sometimes you just have to be better safe than sorry.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

DH Parenting Influences

DH and I differ a little in this aspect of parenting. He has no problem dropping our child off at a neighbor's place.
Although I've done it on occasion with friends, it's not something I feel comfortable with especially with folks I'm not as friendly with.
DH constantly tells me that it's important to use resources.
I agree but I suppose my childhood spent with babysitters and what not leans me away from doing so.
Plus, I like to spend time with my kid, even when she's asking me to sing Baa Baa Black Sheep for the tenth time.
Part of it is I don't have the ability to spend as much time with my daughter as I would like. Because of such, I try to hold onto the time I can even if it's while we are making a salad or taking a bath.
DH says that I spend way too much time with her and that it's imperative for him to allow our child to have as much playtime with other children. This may come from his parent's insistence he only stay home and not socialize.
I think TG has a happy medium where all she does is socialize with DH and with me we occasionally socialize but for the most part explore and learn through everyday environment interaction.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Parenting Styles

How you parent is a combination of how you were parented and how you weren't parented but you wished you were parented.
For me, because of the times, my parents had to work and had many babysitters and care programs.
Because of such, I have leaned my parenting style towards personal time together.
I'm not into babysitting and I prefer to incorporate our daughter into what we do daily, however mundane it may be.
TG helps mop the floor and wash the laundry. She helps us walk our dog and care for our puppy.
She reads with me and cooks with me.
Yes, it can be difficult at times and sure things probably get done faster without but I think it's important for her to know that we as a team do things and that no one is above doing even mundane things.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Words to Live By

For you were once darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light. -- Ephesians 5:8

Monday, October 25, 2010

Fall winds blow change

I have a theory.
Yesterday was a great day for many reasons.
We spent time together as a family.
The weather was gorgeous.
My daughter was absorbing and learning like a sponge.
I listened to my daughter's cues and meltdowns were minimal.
We were out of the house.
Remember how I said I don't feel comfortable and at ease at home anymore? Well, it's as if I lost the comfort of my skin.
Well, yesterday and part of Friday, I found my skin again and it fit.
I think I'm finding more comfort outside of home.
I don't know if this is part of the autumn change or something else. I just need to be outside of the house and the longer I stay away, the better. Maybe I just need a break from the walls.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

I need more days like this one.

I had the best day in a very long time today.
All this stress with home and work has been really bringing me down and making me a sourpuss.
Today was a blessed day.
At mass, I prayed long and hard and have been asking Mary to give me some guidance as I battle these feelings of anxiety. I still don't understand the hippie commune life that DH seems to enjoy but I'm trying.
I'm also realizing that many of my prayers of late have been for me and my anxiety but I'm going to switch it around and when I feel the need to pray, I'm going to do so for others. I need to get away from me for awhile.
After mass, I expected to take TG for a day while DH stayed home and studied. Instead, he offered to drive us and stay in the car and study.
Since our events were on the west and eastside of the city, I didn't protest.
Our first stop was a book reading by a NYC mom. Her book, Soup Day, seemed like the perfect book for us right now. TG loves her soup. The author was also gracious enough to offer activities. She had coloring events and glueing and cutting and even homemade soup. TG is still a tad young but had a great time glueing alphabet noodles onto her soup bowl.
TG took a nap in the car as I completed some household errands and then we headed over to see her favorite band, Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players.
She woke up and exclaimed, "Go See Justin?" We arrived and let me tell you, she was strumming her guitar, dancing and even went to the front of the stage. DH and I recalled how the first time she saw him, she was reluctant to leave my lap. Now, she's running around, doing her made up dance routines and singing along. Every time we see them, she seems to blossom even more. Oh, yes, she had her own routines for specific songs. It's hysterical. She is two and a choreographer.
Afterwards, we went to grab a bite to eat and then spent the evening at Central Park awaiting the witch of the lake. TG skipped the pumpking painting and carving and went straight to storytime and the playground.
We had fun naming the different costumes and then when the sun set, we all gathered at the edge of the lake to look for the witch of the lake and the caravan of jack-o-lanterns. Kids can carve a pumpkin and submit it to be part of the evening parade.
It's a lot of fun as kids try to find their jack-o-lanterns in the dark.
I was wondering if TG would be afraid as it is a bit spooky having a witch paddling a canoe full of lit pumpkins but she turned to me and said, "She's swimming like a duck!" Yes, TG, the witch is swimming like a duck.
We headed home and I thought she'd be pooped from all the activities but as soon as she saw Tash, she was ready to go again and spent some time with her dad playing with Tash.
I honestly had a wonderful day today. It was nice to have little breaks with DH, even if it was just to eat together or drive around but it felt really nice to be together and still get things done we needed or wanted to get done.
I think my husband felt it too as he said he had a nice time as well.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

No accidents

I'd talk about potty learning and how my daughter consistently goes to the potty when she's alone at home with me sans diaper but even that doesn't seem as awe inspiring or as congratulatory as I would like.
Right now, it seems like it's just another highlight of our parenting style differences.
I have no problem having my daughter sans diaper in the privacy of our home so she can learn to sense when she needs to potty.
DH expects that we should go from diapers to underwear once TG maintains a dry diaper. (I understand DH's apprehension. I've been there too but honestly, if I had a diaper on, I'd probably pee in it instead of stopping what I was doing. Sadly, that's because I have no time in the day with all the grown up to dos. If I was a toddler and I had to choose between playing with my toy train set or going to the potty and waiting for Mommy or Daddy to wipe me, I'd probably stay by my train and pee into my diaper.)
I'm pretty proud of TG and myself for growing to the point where she has learned to pee in the potty. I'm proud of myself for growing to the point where I trust her and allow her to go sans diaper for such a long period of time. (I have a lot of stress over bodily fluids and my husband's leather couch. It makes my nervous stomach act up just thinking about it.
I know it's a long road still but we've both grown together and I'm pretty proud of our accomplishment even if it seems small in the larger scope.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Where is my haven?

Sometimes I feel as if the one place I should be allowed to be myself, I can't. I can't be relaxed at home. More and more, I feel as if my home is no longer my comfort zone. That cannot be good.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Big ball of stress

I really dislike hearing, "Why don't you stay home and relax."
I'm not sure if I'm the only one that cringes when they hear this statement.
Honestly, I don't know any woman who is a mother or a wife, sometimes, who would just stay home and relax.
Do you know how and when this statement would work? Anywhere else besides the home, at least my home.
Why don't you go to a spa and relax.
Why don't you get a root canal and relax.
Why don't you get your annual physical and relax.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

I'm not building a rocketship yet

I'm seriously in a I hate people mood. (I'd search for the cat cartoon that I'm referring to but I barely have time to write this spew of thought.)
Sadly, this only confirms I'm a crotchy old woman as my birthday has passed and all I seem to do is complain about people.
I had another epiphany. Interruptions during mealtimes only remind me of how much it irks me that we don't have a real mealtime as a family.
Someone is always missing or one of us has to run around either trying to find something as background noise (some folks aren't keen on quiet dinners) or the same person is cleaning up poop or pee from our 10 week old puppy training area.
Mealtimes mean so much to me, especially since I'm bringing home the bacon, frying it up in a pan and cleaning said pan.
I sometimes feel like DH thinks I'm making a big deal out of mealtime. I think he thinks I want Norman Rockwell. Well, shucks, who doesn't, but I also understand that's not realistic. I just want to be able to have all of us sit down and not have one of us pop up as if we were a gopher game.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

I have to teach her to wipe too?

Just as I was feeling pretty positive about our potty learning progress, it just dawned on me that I have to teach my child to wipe. Well, not now as she's only two but still. Oh good grief. That alone should be a merit badge for parents.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Plays well with others, not

Maybe it's not about being open but my boundaries.
My boundaries are such that I enjoy a person's company but when I get home, I like to get home. I like to put on my monkey pants and literally carry my toddler on my back while I make dinner. Ok, maybe I could hold off on the back carry a little bit.
DH believes we don't have the boundaries anymore.
Our other neighbors that flank us on the left do. They have two boys and the only time we see them is occasionally at the park or in the laundry room.
That's about it. Friendly banter, occasional play and that is it.
One mom suggested that it would have been easier for me to adjust if a playdate was established. Another mom said her general rule is unless we know each other, the witching hours (4-6pm and 6-9am) are off limits.
I think they are both right. I think the unfortunate timing of the first three encounters (right after work, first thing in the morning and first thing in the morning) is what set me off. Add to it my husband starting it off and leaving me to finish it. That wasn't tempering the smoldering flames.
If we established a playdate to get the kids together, I'd probably be more comfortable with future impromptu pop overs.
Lord knows that with TG's other neighbor friends, we've each helped each other out with a witching hour last minute get together.
So now I have to rectify this with some kind of social etiquette. I suppose I'll just schedule a playdate with her kid. I mean, isn't that what you are supposed to do anywho or am I just a cynical loner New Yorker?

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Social Butterfly, my tuckus

DH: You are just going to have to suck it up.
This is the response I get from my husband after he remarked that I'm giving a snarky face to our new neighbors.
I can't help it.
It's not that I don't like them.
They are nice folks.
There kid is nice. My kid likes there kid.
My problem is this...
They moved in I think last week.
On Thursday, I had a particularly long day at work. DH told me TG had not napped all day and that 4 playmates came over for a playdate. I expected the house to be a mess. I expected my toddler to want to nurse and cuddle. I expected the puppy was going to poop himself crazy and I'd have to clean up his wee wee area.
DH had school, so he was rushing out the door. I was exhausted an resigned myself to a crazy night with the hopes of a quieter tomorrow. The elevator door opens and I hear voices in my apartment. Actually, I hear that my front door is open and the voices are echoing in the hallway. DH has a tendency to leave our front door open as if he is Cosmos Kramer. Whatever.
I don't even step into the apartment and I can see my husband running like a chicken with his head cut off. He has a paper due and he's late for class and he needs a stapler. My neighbor is staring at me with this, I'm sorry for ambushing you look as her daughter is running around with my daughter. The puppy whining for my attention as she can smell me before she can see me. I have the beginnings of a headache and meekly smile and start hanging my coat up. My daughter immediately runs to me, hugs me and asks to go to bed and nurse. DH kisses me goodbye and leaves me there with the door open with our neighbor, her kid, a tornado of a living room (markers strewn everywhere, a slide laying on its side, stickers covering the wooden table and chairs and shopping cart, toy food thrown everywhere and half our alphabet mat taken apart.
I try very hard to smile but I'm in no mood to make idle chit chat. TG is mauling my breasts asking to nurse and so I ask politely if she minds if I nurse. Now, it's not like I'm asking. I don't know why I say I ask. When I nurse in public I ask as a courtesy. It's more like, "I'm about to whip my boob out. Just an fyi." I mean 1) is anyone going to really say 'No?' and 2) if they did, I don't think I'd be friends with them.
Anyway, I don't know if she made this up or if it was true, but she quickly grabbed her child and said she smelt a poo diaper and bee-lined home.
Did I feel bad? Yes but I also felt like I was justified in feeling the way I felt. It was nothing on her persay but just the circumstance. I figured we'd have another day when I wasn't just running home to a disaster area and the kids can play and we can make polite conversation.
That was Thursday.
On Friday morning, I woke up feeling a bit better yet still tired. My brother's wedding and the week in general wore me out and I was looking forward to relaxing a bit. DH kisses me good morning and says he needed to go study after breakfast. I'm making breakfast. DH opens the door to throw out dirty wee pads when I hear, "Good morning." In runs a toddler. Ok. At this point I kind was still tired and groggy and making eggs so I don't know how the conversation went but I do know that when I made it outside with breakfast, our neighbor's daughter was in our house playing.
Ok. That's cool. I will eat breakfast, brush my teeth, wash my face, put on some clothes and try to socialize. I'll try to be polite and make up for the tired antisocial me from yesterday.
DH: I figured you wouldn't want the house packed with people so I told them we'd take care of their kid while she went back to their apartment.
Ok, whatever.
DH kisses me goodbye and leaves me with my daughter and my neighbor's kid.
At this point, I decide, DH would want me to look sort of social so let me do his 'leave your door open' so I appear to be open and welcoming to folks.
I open the door and immediately my neighbor is peering in. "Everything ok? Should I take her?"
PG: No. No. They are doing good. Hope you don't mind but she's eating eggs here. She saw TG eating and wanted some.
"Sure. Sure. Thanks."
As I'm pouring water for the girls to drink, my neighbor pops his head in again. "Hi! Honey, it's time to go. Your nanny is here."
Now, I'm going to guess it's the wild and crazy setup where our daughter as has taken over our entire apartment and my daughter, can't forget her, but kids have a hard time leaving our place. There have been times where I literally carry kids out to the door for the parents. I feel awful about it because I feel like I'm saying, "Here, take your kid." but I guess I am.
Anyway, she goes and I politely say, "It's ok. You can come back again to play."
Flash forward to Saturday.
Do you see where I'm going with this, folks?
I wake up realizing that my child has one pair of clean jeans left and I've resorted to wearing my Christmas 2009 pajamas as I've also run out of clothes. DH usually does our laundry on Thursdays but unfortunately it remained a giant heap in the corner of our bedroom.
So I decide before we head out to a birthday party, I'm going to do at least TG's and my wash. Before even going to brush my teeth or wash my face, I grab the bag of dirty laundry and beeline downstairs to the basement.
DH: I'll do the laundry. She has a pair of jeans left.
PG: But I need laundry.
DH: Like you don't have any clothes left?
PG: Yes, I don't have any clothes left.
Now, anyone who lives in NYC in an apartment knows Saturday morning is the worst time to ever try to do laundry. Everyone is vying for the 7 washing machines and 6 dryers that are available.
I make it downstairs after taking the local elevator. Why is it whenever you aren't dressed for public consumption, haven't brushed your teeth, combed your hair or washed your face, you meet everyone you don't want to meet?
I turn the corner to the laundry room and it was a lost cause. Every single machine was in full use, a line of dirty laundry carts was piled reserving the in use machines and neighbors were vying for space on the folding tables.
I resigned myself to wearing my jeans one more day and grabbing a work sweater to wear.
Well, at least I can have a nice weekend breakfast and maybe even grab a shower before anyone else sees me.
I head back upstairs and as soon as the elevator doors open, I see my neighbor standing in front of my door which is wide open.
Now, I know I made the face but come on people.
"Hey. Just wanted to invite you guys to the playground."
I smile and DH finishes the convo as I go to make breakfast.
That's when DH said, "What is the problem with our neighbor? Don't you want our kid to have friends she can play with?"
Ok, it's not that I don't want my kid to have friends with. I don't think I need to say that but come on. Three days in a row during the worst possible time to ambush me!
DH: Well, I'm going to get her dressed and take her to the playground to play with her.
PG: We are getting ready to go to a birthday party.
DH: Well, it's not good for her to just stay indoors for the next hour. What's she going to do? Nurse? We're like gypsies.
Now, I'm not a social queen. I hate socializing. Sure, I'll meet with folks but not every freaking day. In my husband's mind, my child has to see a particular set of friends every freaking day. I mean to the point of every day they all do something together. Monday is library day. Wednesday is Zoo day. Thursday is museum day.
Ok, I get it but every freaking day?
So is it true that I have to suck this freaking thing up and just deal?
Is there something wrong with me because I would like her to attend events with other kids?
Is there something wrong with me for wanting to have a quiet indoor time with my daughter?

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Family Time

I think the issue between my husband and myself and friends is that in my husband's eye, our apartment should always be open.
For me, I prefer family time and family time takes precedence over friend time.
For me, dinner at the table as a family is important. For my husband, not so much. It used to, ok, it still does, annoy me that I have to be the one who sets the table, cooks the food and still call out at least three times before he comes to the table. He doesn't eat dinner with us often as he runs to school at night so the days he is around, I'd really like him to eat with us. But schedules always prohibit it. Either TG hasn't napped so she's super cranky and wants to start bed early or DH has to clean up dog poop or I have not time to make a meal. Why do I always have to cook? If I hear my husband say, "But you like to cook" one more time...
For me family time is sacred. Family time also includes Saturday and Sunday. Unfortunately, DH believes that Saturday and Sunday should also be open to playtime with her friends that she sees practically every day.
Far be it for me to deny her play time but there is something to be said about a family outing or family time together.
As a child, I remember every weekend was family time. My dad would work incredibly long hours but every weekend, he made it a point to do something with us. It meant alot and left a large impression on me.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Friends, Yours and Mine

Last night I went to Mom's Night Out. Once a month a group of moms in our neighborhood get together to have a drink and decompress.
I missed it last month because DH had school.
I asked him to skip class this once just so I could go. I really needed it.
It was too short in my opinion but much needed.
I was exhausted and tired but after the day I had, I really wanted to have other moms to commiserate with.
It made me realize something that I've voiced before but it's coming up again.
I like to have my daughter interact with other kids in our neighborhood outside of my husband's circle of kids. Unfortunately, DH doesn't see it in the schedule for that to happen. So I try to do so when I'm with her.
It makes it more tiring for me but it really means a lot to me so I try.
Now the past week has been awful with timing because we've been dealing with the repercussions of a crazy schedule for my brother's wedding but I need to get back to it again.
There isn't anything wrong with the kids in my husband's circle. I love them all. They are great kids and they make me smile. I'd just like TG to continue her connections with some of my friends too.
DH says that he can't make it to play time with them because of scheduling conflicts and that he abhors any structured classes.
I'm not saying she needs to be scheduled for every class but I feel like that may be the only way to get her to meet with new people or see some of her old friends.
DH: It's not like she's old enough to do these arts and crafts at these classes.
Well, I proved she is by taking her some classes and letting her actual do some. I also proved it by making my own arts and craft projects with her at home and she did them. I think that's just an excuse.
Maybe it is more of a openness thing. I'm not an open person and DH wants everything to be open.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

More potty talk

Today, TG stopped what she was doing, told me she had to sit on the potty and went to the potty and immediately proceeded to pee. She had spent an entire hour without a diaper on.
We were in the midst of a very strong duet of 'We are the Dinosaurs'. She plays the acoustic guitar and I play the bass guitar (a toy guitar we removed batteries from due to its annoying factor). Actually, I think my daughter thinks any electric guitar is a bass guitar. Her favorite artists all play acoustic guitars.
Anyway, we are still following our child led potty training and so far so good. I'm actually beginning to think that size 5 may be were we stop with everyday diapers. Now, I know I'm nowhere near the end of potty training. I have naptime training, bedtime training. outdoor training, poop training and whatnot to contend with. I also know there are setbacks. She was fine peeing on the potty at 18 months but when she turned 2, she wanted nothing to do with it.
Maybe I'm just looking forward to not losing my wallet on diapers every month but for now, I'm just going to smile and savor the accomplishment for the day.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Blowing bubbles underwater

I taught my child how to blow bubbles in the water.
Since I'm taking baths with her now, I figured, I might as well show her a thing or two.
We tried in swim classes but let's be honest, swim classes at 6 months of age is for Mom to get out and try to socialize and feel like she's doing something beneficial for her child. Meanwhile at 6 months old, if you are feeding/nursing, changing diapers and providing some stimulation via reading and occasional walks, you are doing fine.
In swim classes at 6 months, the most advanced thing she did was sit on the edge of the pool and flop into my arms. I say flop because a 6 month old can't jump. They sort of sit there teetering and then plop into your arms.
So now my kid likes to 'hold her nose, breathe and blow bubbles.' I've seen her 'teach' her walrus and sea horse.
It's the physician way of learning, see, do, show.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Old school, well, my old school church.

So the rehearsal was held in my old parish.
I haven't been back there in ages.
The church looks pretty much the same with some standard renovations but I never realized how dry the mass was. The lector sounded drier than Ben Stein.
The most interesting thing was listening the pastor quote Shakespeare in a thick Italian accent.
Now my mass, like most Catholic masses, isn't a lively rabble-rousing event either. Our second mass choir is less than desirable. It just took me back to being a little girl sitting in this church thinking it was the biggest church in the world.
At least the church is still packed with folks standing in the back for the evening mass.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Day of rest and recuperation

After two nights of altered routine, my toddler is a big ball of toddler. DH and I have decided the next two days will simply be following her queues and getting back to her routine.
She was a super trooper during the rehearsal dinner and wedding. The crowds and loud noise are not her particular favorite things but she hung in there. She had several meltdowns as the sleepies started setting in but she was wonderful.
She slept hard last night.
Since we didn't nurse the whole day, she made up for it today. I don't mind.
Oh, someone asked me about the Yankees hair bows and clips. I never did find them but I bought a lanyard (overpriced as you would expect) and took a pair of pliers, pulled out the ribbon and made it into a ribbon for her hair. I made a ponytail, flipped it in and tied the ribbon around the ponytail holder. I then took one of the pretty handmade flower clips my mom made and stuck it on top.
She didn't fiddle with them at all.
The only thing she asked was to remove her cheap shoes. I wasn't about to spend $50+ for dress shoes. She never wears them. Since her dress is floor length, we just let walk around in her socks.
On both nights, we changed her into her pajamas around 10pm and DH took her to the car to drive her to sleep.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

My little brother is married

So my bro is getting married. Nothing like your younger brother getting married to make you feel old.
At mass, the homily was about being thankful and remembering to thank God for our blessings. Every night I say prayers with my daughter. We always say thank you to God but as I sat there listening to Father Enrique, it dawned on me that I was truly thankful that my brother found his life partner and sole mate.
Yes, I'm a protective sister and no woman will live up to my standards for his mate but his wife sure does come close. She loves him body, mind and soul and I think that's all I could ask for.
I am truly glad for all that God has blessed my brother and my family. We thank Him for our blessings and hope others around us remember His love and gifts.

Saturday, October 09, 2010

Pie and Eats

Placed 3rd at local pie contest. It was a last minute entry. I wanted to cook something a little different than my usual cooking fair for the hubby and child. Figured, I'd bake a pie and not worry about having to eat it. The pie sales go towards the neighborhood children's harvest festival so it was a win win. Placing was a nice and much needed pat on the back though.
TG also was old enough to begin to understand some of the games at the festival. She was still too young for most but she got to decorate the brown paper bags, a wooden whistle and play the beanbag toss game.
She was also fascinated with the local fiddlers group. The youngest member is 3 and she kept staring at her as she played.
Afterwards, we had a nap that went past rehearsals. I made a lovely flower girl if I must say so. She was up for dinner though and although she was groggy, after the food kicked in, she was her happy and jolly self.

Friday, October 08, 2010

Bathtub built for two

My child has learned to climb in and out of the tub.
Darn.
I loved having her play in the bathtub while I quickly sort the hamper or brush my teeth.
I learned she could climb in and out the other day when as I was sorting the hamper, I spied her climbing out of the tub and drying her feet on a towel. She toddled over and said, "Dry feet. Be careful." (I would tell her that we'd need to dry our feet so we don't slip after our bath.
So now, we've taken to either Mommy sits by the side of the tub washing her ducks or I bathe with her. At least I get a bathe more often.

Thursday, October 07, 2010

Wedding to dos

We are on a mission today. Exchange our white flower girl shoes and find some type of NY Yankees hair bows or ribbons. Oh and practice waking down the aisle
My brother is getting married this Sunday.
TG is the flower girl.
For the last three days, we've been practicing walking down our hallway throwing 'Uncle Papers' on the floor. So far, she's run down the hallway, then thrown the 'flowers', walked down the hallway picking up flowers and screamed for me to walk down the hallway throwing flowers.
Her shoes are too big so I need to exchange them asap.
As for the NY Yankees hair stuff, bro is a big fan and at first I was going to embroider her socks but then time flew by and I said, "Eh, we'll find some hair designs."
It's going to be a busy day.

Wednesday, October 06, 2010

Got my sleep gene

My child slept from 8pm-10am today. I have no idea why but I wish for more days like this.

Tuesday, October 05, 2010

Potty Potty Potty

So we've decided to do child-led pottying. Ok, I decided on it.
My husband thinks the idea of letting our child go around pantless is disgusting.
He thinks that when she can stay dry in a diaper, we can try the underpants.
My thought is, the kid is not going to want to stay dry in a diaper when she knows that pottying takes time away from play so if we want her to discover pottying, she needs to go pantless for a few days.
The agreement, whether he knows it our not has been this, when she's with me and he's out of the house, I let her go pantless.
So far, she's only had one accident.
Now I don't go the whole day without pants. Naps and bedtime still have diapers and when we have guests over, we put on diapers and pants.
Again, I'm just playing it by my daughter's rhythm.
I've been doing this for about three days now and once a day, at least, she asks to go to the potty, even when she has a diaper on.
I'm not going to fight it or rush it and I'm just going to see where this takes me.

Sunday, October 03, 2010

Socializing a dog with a toddler

Extremely harried day today.
A long awaited children's concert was much loved by TG.
Then we shuttled to Queens to celebrate my sister's (SIL but she's my sister) impending wedding.
It was a lot for me, let alone TG. TG had a solid nap in the car and joined the festivities afterwards.
Tasha has become our traveling pet. She pretty much goes where we go. She's still very young so we need to wait until she's older to introduce her to other pets in public areas but we're also trying to socialize her and get her used to being handled.
With toddlers coming in and out of our place, we want Tasha to be comfortable with the noise, excitement and possible toddler handling.
So far her personality seems to be amenable to kids and being hugged and held and petted and gently tugged on.
Every day I make it a point to rub her ears and play with her teeth and spread her paws out a bit just so she's used touch.
TG isn't too keen on Tasha off leash and prefers her closed off but loves holding her on a leash and will happily 'assist' with walking Tasha in the house with the leash.
I think DH is right, with a puppy in the house, TG is learning a bit more about pet care and being gentle. With Z and P, they were pretty much enjoying the senior years and didn't have as much interaction with TG.

Saturday, October 02, 2010

Central Park in the Fall

I took my daughter to Central Park today.
It reminded me of the trips to the park with my dad when I was younger.
There is something about the fall and Central Park that reminds me of my dad.
My daughter loved playing at the biggest playground in the park. She spent 2 hours there and passed out promptly afterwards.
I love the park in the Autumn. Something about the changing winds turns the park into this magical place for me.